Sidney Crosby goes headfirst into boards in Game 6 (Video)

Sidney Crosby already missed time in the Eastern Conference semifinals with a concussion, and got his bell rung again early in Game 6.

Sidney Crosby just returned in Game 5 from a concussion after missing two games, and already had his toughness tested early in Game 6.

As the Pittsburgh Penguins look to eliminate the Washington Capitals from the playoffs with a 3-2 series lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals, both teams are going all out. Crosby is no exception, despite just returning from his injury last game.

Crosby sped towards the Capitals goal going after a loose puck, and narrowly avoided a collision with Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby. Despite avoiding disaster with Holtby and the net itself, Crosby instead collided with teammate Patric Hornqvist and Capitals defenseman John Carlson.

The Penguins captain’s head spiked into the boards, and Hornqvist added to the pain as he landed right on top of his teammate after the hit.

The Penguins and the Capitals have been rough with each other throughout the entire Eastern Conference semifinals, and it specifically struck a nerve with the Penguins in Game 3. Crosby took a big hit from Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen to the head, and exited the game early. He was diagnosed with a concussion, and returned almost miraculously in Game 5 in Washington, a game the Penguins lost 4-2.

Crosby luckily didn’t exhibit any concussion-like symptoms on the bench after the hit, and also survived a stick to the face that cut his nose earlier in the period.

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The Penguins can’t afford to lose their captain for any more time, especially in a potential series-clincher at home. The team already had a 3-1 lead in the series, and managed to survive Game 4 without Crosby in the lineup, but faltered after he left in Game 3, and in his return in Game 5.